Protect Yourself
Silicosis
Silicosis is caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and most other types of rock, and it is used as an abrasive blasting agent. Silicosis is a progressive, disabling, and often fatal lung disease. Cigarette smoking adds to the lung damage caused by silica.
Effects of Silicosis
- Lung cancer – Silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.
- Bronchitis/Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.
- Tuberculosis – Silicosis makes an individual more susceptible to TB.
- Scleroderma – a disease affecting skin, blood vessels, joints and skeletal muscles.
- Possible renal disease.
Symptoms of Silicosis
- Shortness of breath; possible fever.
- Fatigue; loss of appetite.
- Chest pain; dry, nonproductive cough.
- Respiratory failure, which may eventually lead to death.
Sources of Exposure
- Sandblasting for surface preparation.
- Crushing and drilling rock and concrete.
- Masonry and concrete work (e.g., building and road construction and repair).
- Mining/tunneling; demolition work.
- Cement and asphalt pavement manufacturing.
Preventing Silicosis
- Use all available engineering controls such as blasting cabinets and local exhaust ventilation. Avoid using compressed air for cleaning surfaces.
- Use water sprays, wet methods for cutting, chipping, drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
- Substitute non-crystalline silica blasting material.
- Use respirators approved for protection against silica; if sandblasting, use abrasive blasting respirators.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke near crystalline silica dust.
- Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking away from exposure area.
For more complete information:
![OSHA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507233537im_/http://www.osha.gov/images/logo-120x35.gif) |
Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration |
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA
OSHA 3267-09N-05
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